Summer is high-alert for invasive species in Maine

The Associated Press •July 19, 2009 10:02 am

BRIDGTON, Maine — Vacationers aren’t the only visitors flocking to Maine’s lakes and forests this time of year. Summer also brings invasive species such as milfoil, rock snot and Asian long-horned beetles.

With help from volunteers, at least five state agencies are now engaged in the fight against non-native plants and critters, the Portland Press Herald reports. Forest biologists are warning campers against bringing in their own firewood because it could harbor tree-killing beetles. Fish and wildlife experts are trying to contain northern pike and other foreign fish, while marine biologists are tracking the progress of the Asian shore crab.

State officials also are asking fly fishermen to wash their boots so they don’t introduce a fast-spreading algae called rock snot.